After the announcement,ProfessorJuleenZieraththe chair of the committee explained the rationale
behind the award of the prize and science behind it; I could not help but notice
her American accent.

TheBBC websiteattempts to break down the science into digestible
detail, stating it is discoveringhow
cells precisely transport material, thatit is crucial for the way the brain communicates,
the release of hormones and parts of the immune systemand thata defective vesicle transport system is
implicated in diabetes and brain disorders.

Nomination cycle

Theprocess of nominationstarts in September of the year before the award
is made, in February the nomination process is closed, then consultation, reports
and recommendations are made through to the first week in September. The laureate(s)
are then chosen the day before the announcement during which time they are contacted
and informed of the honour before the public announcement we heard today.

Names of the nominees and all related nomination material are kept
secret for 50 years after the award is made.